Mongolia, like many other countries around the world, is facing a rapidly aging population in rural areas. As Mongolia becomes increasingly urbanized, its rural populations are struggling with challenges of aging. Mongolia has experienced rapid urbanization in the past two decades, with many people moving from the countryside to the cities in search of better employment opportunities and access to social services. According to the National Statistical Data, as of 2000, the ratio of residents was 57% in cities and 43% in rural areas, and as of 2021, it was 70% in cities and 30% in rural areas. This trend has left rural areas with an aging population that is increasingly vulnerable to economic insecurity, social isolation, and health care problems. Many older adults in rural Mongolia rely on their children for support due to the nomadic and agrarian lifestyle, but as younger generations move to urban areas in search of better opportunities such as education, job, this traditional source of support is becoming increasingly uncertain. All that happens under the highly specific circumstances of low population density and dispersed population in rural regions. On the other hand, it has opportunities for experience that can be shared with younger generations, particularly in traditional areas such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and handicrafts. As older people in rural Mongolia have a deep connection to the land and traditional ways of life, they may be key players in promoting sustainable development practices that protect the environment and support the local economy. However, the challenges and opportunities of aging in rural Mongolia have received relatively little attention. This research will present the findings of a study that aimed to explore the challenges and opportunities of aging in rural Mongolia.

E. Nomin
University of Pécs, Hungary

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ID Abstract: 537